Doctor of Graphic Design

Doctor of Philosophy - Design

Doctorate (PhD)

Perth

As a doctoral research degree candidate, you will uncover new knowledge either by the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories or the innovative reinterpretation of known data and established ideas.

Duration

4 years full-time

Study Mode

In person, Online

Doctor of Visual Arts

Doctorate (PhD)

South Bank

This professional development degree, with an integrated program of independent research and coursework, will help you extend your studio research and practice and make original conceptual advancements in your discipline.

Entry Requirements

For admission as a candidate, an applicant will:

hold a Bachelor degree with first-class or second-class Honours (Division A) or equivalent qualification from a recognised institution; or
hold a Masters degree from a recognised institution or equivalent qualification deemed by the Dean, Griffith Graduate Research School to be of a standard comparable at least to a Bachelor degree with second class Honours (Division A); or
possess a record of research or a qualification granted by a professional or other body, deemed by the Dean, Griffith Graduate Research School to be of a standard comparable at least to a bachelors degree with second-class Honours (Division A)
have been enrolled in a research Masters degree at the University for not less than one year as a full-time candidate and two years as a part-time candidate and will have had their work as a research Masters candidate certified by the Dean to be of a standard required for candidature in a professional doctorate.

Students admitted to the Doctor of Visual Arts program will normally hold previous qualifications in the visual arts area.

Prospective students must confirm prior to application that their chosen project can be conducted within the appropriate concentration area (i.e. check the availability of supervision, resources etc). If specialist equipment or computer programs are required, this must be stated on the student's application form.

When applying, applicants must submit a written research proposal outlining the nature of the studio project they wish to undertake and the supporting research question for their dissertation. Applicants will also be requested to present a current folio of their most outstanding work and a curriculum vitae.

The following University policy will apply to Higher Degree Research (HDR) programs:

Higher Degree Research Policy

Scholarships

Applicants wishing to commence in Research Intake 1 should lodge their application prior to the closing date listed at the top of this page. Applicants applying to commence at any other time should submit their application at least four months before their preferred intake date. Refer to the Scholarship Key Dates for further information.

Duration

4 years full-time, 6 years part-time

Study Mode

In person

International Tuition Fees

$34,500 per year / $138,000 total

Graduate Satisfaction

89.80%

Doctor of Graphic Design overview

A doctoral degree (PhD) in graphic design allows students to do in-depth research and add their findings to academic literature about visual communication.

Because online doctoral degree programs in graphic design are not currently available, if you wish to earn a PhD in this field you will need to find a university.

The duration of a doctorate in graphic design will depend on the area of study, the university, and the project being undertaken. Typically you will be required to submit a body of work and a major thesis.

Employment options

Most design studios will not require a PhD in graphic design before employing you. However, if you wish to write professionally about graphic design or to work in the academic side of the field, a PhD will be beneficial to you. Not to mention that you will have a book to show your expertise in the field upon completion.

Scholarships and funding

Most full-time doctoral degrees in graphic design will come with basic funding from the Australian Government.

You can search for hundreds of other scholarships that graphic design students are eligible for on our Scholarships Page.

Prerequisites and selection process

You will need a bachelor's or master's degree in design or another visual communications field. This could be architecture or art. Most universities would prefer candidates to have some professional experience as well as an idea of the topic of their thesis.